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Oyster Reefs Closed for TS Karen

BILOXI, Miss. – Oyster reefs that opened earlier this week for tonging were closed as a precaution due to Tropical Storm Karen, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said Thursday.

According to the MDMR emergency contingency plan, oyster reefs are closed the same day the Coast is put under a tropical storm or hurricane watch. The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a hurricane watch from Louisiana to Florida on Thursday.

"The reefs will remain closed until the threat of Tropical Storm Karen has passed," said Melissa Scallan, public information officer for the MDMR. "When agency officials determine that the environmental and physical conditions of the reefs are acceptable, the reefs will reopen.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov.